We were saddened to learn of the passing of the President of Bangladesh Zillur Rahman. From his early days as a history student and political activist, President Rahman dedicated his life to the people of Bangladesh. His efforts helped lead to the creation of Bangladesh in 1971, and his subsequent decades of public service helped Bangladesh establish itself as the democracy it is today. As Bangladesh nears the 42nd anniversary of its independence, President Rahman’s death offers a moment for all Bangladeshis to come together in mourning and reflect on what unites them as a nation.

On behalf of the American people, I offer my sympathies to President Rahman’s family and to the Bangladeshi people during this sad time.